Read Online Rewriting History by Missy Johnson - Free Book Online

day. I mean, how the hell is anyone going to find out, anyway?”
    I roll my eyes, anxiety rising in my stomach. She doesn’t understand how many people would be affected if someone found out about us. The thought makes me sick, and instantly I’m thinking about Jamie— again . It’s too much of a coincidence for him to say that if he knows nothing.
    “Babe, I gotta go. Miss Stick-Up-Her-Ass is walking toward me, and the scowl that never seems to leave her face when I’m in her presence is present.”
    I can almost hear her eyes rolling.
    “Happy birthday, Jilly baby. I’ll call you later, ’kay?”
    ***
    “Mom, did you hear me?” I wave my hand in her face.
    We’re standing side by side in the kitchen as she makes coffee, but she’s so withdrawn that I’ve had to repeat myself a few times already. It’s unnerving. And it’s my birthday. A very mature start to me being eighteen, but I’m so pissed at her lack of interest in my day.
    She shakes her head and snaps back to attention. She looks over at me, an apologetic smile on her face. “Sorry, hon, what did you say?”
    “I was talking about my birthday,” I grumble. “What’s going on, Mom? You aren’t yourself today. Anything you want to talk about?” I ask. I’m starting to worry that something might be seriously wrong. But if it were, surely Dad would be here . . . right?
    “I’m having some issues at work, but nothing that won’t sort itself out. I’m sorry, honey, it’s nothing for you to worry about.” She wraps her arms around me and kisses me on the forehead. “I’m sorry if I haven’t been here for you much lately.”
    “No, it’s fine, I just want to make sure you’re okay.” A wave of guilt hits me as I think about how much I’ve been keeping from her.
    “Now, I have something for you, birthday girl.” She smiles and hands me a delicately wrapped present and a card.
    Laughing, I tear into the present first. Gifts from your parents are probably the only time when it’s forgivable not to open the card first. Mom watches as I unveil a small jewelry box. Lifting the lid, I gasp as I see the diamond teardrop pendant sitting atop of a plush velvet cushion. It’s gorgeous.
    “Wow, it’s beautiful,” I gasp, lifting it onto the palm of my hand. I marvel as the light catches the many sides to the stone. It glistens as it twirls gently on the chain.
    “Here, I’ll help. Happy birthday, honey.”
    I lift my hair as she clasps the chain around my neck. It sits perfectly. I turn and wrap my arms around her. I open the card and smile at her words. One thing I never need to doubt is how much she and Dad love me.
    “I love it, Mom. I love you.”
    “What time are you meeting your new friend tonight?” she asks suddenly.
    I glance at my watch and realize I’m running late. I kiss Mom on the cheek.  “Gotta run,” I say and race upstairs, slamming my door shut.
    I’ve got just enough time to take a shower, shave, and get dressed. I decide on a little black number with ballet flats, barely any makeup, and my hair in wrapped into a soft bun on the top of my head.  I love this ballerina look—casual yet sexy with a sprinkle of cute.
     
    I drive to Eli’s and manage to score a parking spot right out the front. It’s a nice change from having to drive around, looking for somewhere to park. I like his place. It’s a nice area with lots of billowing trees and off the main road, so it’s quiet.
    My stomach is fluttering with nervousness as I walk up the stairs to his apartment and knock on the door.
    “Hey.” He smiles, opening the door. My heart races at the sight of him. He’s changed out of his work clothes. I smile at how he looks in the fitted jeans he’s wearing, along with a button-down shirt.
    I step inside, letting him pull me against him, his lips pressing against mine. God, I’ve missed this. His fingers caress my face as our tongues clash. I just cannot get enough of him.
    Classical music is playing faintly in